- Introduction
- Ch. 1 Stormwater Management Requirements
- Ch. 2 Submission, Review, and Approval Procedures
- Ch. 3 Site Design and Stormwater Management Integration
- Ch. 4 Stormwater Management Practice Guidance
- Ch. 5 Construction Guidance
- Ch. 6 Post-Construction and Operations and Maintenance Guidance
- Appendices
- Download
- Back to Chapters
- Manual Organization and Purpose
- Stormwater Regulations
- Private Development Services
- Stormwater Billing and Incentives
- Stormwater Management in Philadelphia
- Applicability and Submission Process
- Preferred Design Approach
- Back to Chapters
- 1.0 Introduction
- 1.1 Applicability Factors
- 1.2 Stormwater Regulations
- 1.3 Stormwater Retrofits
- Back to Chapter 1
- 1.2.1 Post-Construction Stormwater Management Requirements
- 1.2.2 Erosion and Sediment Control Requirement
- Back to Chapter 1
- 1.3.1 Retrofit Project Applicability and Initiation
- 1.3.2 Retrofit Project Requirements and Guidance
- Back to Chapters
- 2.0 Introduction
- 2.1 Existing Resources and Site Analysis
- 2.2 Review Paths
- 2.3 Review Phases
- 2.4 Expedited Post-Construction Stormwater Management Plan Reviews
- 2.5 PWD’s Development Review Process
- 2.6 PWD’s Role in Philadelphia's Development Process
- 2.7 PWD and Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection
- Back to Chapter 2
- 2.2.1 Development Compliance Review Path
- 2.2.2 Development Exemption Review Path
- 2.2.3 Demolition Review Path
- 2.2.4 Stormwater Retrofit Review Path
- Back to Chapter 2
- 2.3.1 Development Compliance Review Path
- 2.3.2 Development Exemption Review Path
- 2.3.3 Demolition Review Path
- 2.3.4 Stormwater Retrofit Review Path
- Back to Chapter 2
- 2.4.1 Disconnection Green Review
- 2.4.2 Surface Green Review
- 2.4.3 Expedited PCSMP Review Process
- Back to Chapter 2
- 2.7.1 National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Permits
- 2.7.2 Other PA DEP Requirements
- Back to Chapters
- 3.0 Introduction
- 3.1 Site Assessment and Stormwater Management Strategies
- 3.2 Stormwater Management Design
- 3.3 Infiltration Testing and Soil Assessment for SMP Design
- 3.4 How To Show Compliance
- 3.5 Integrated Stormwater Management Examples
- Back to Chapter 3
- 3.0.1 How to Use This Chapter
- 3.0.2 Integrated Site and Stormwater Management Assessment and Design Process Overview
- 3.0.3 Interactions between Design Strategies, Stormwater Regulations, and Review Paths
- Back to Chapter 3
- 3.1.1 Background Site Factors and Site Factors Inventory
- 3.1.2 Site Factors Analysis
- 3.1.3 Integrated Design Approach
- 3.1.4 Non-Structural Design
- 3.1.5 Disconnected Impervious Cover
- 3.1.6 SMP Functions
- 3.1.7 Pollutant- Reducing Practices and Roof Runoff Isolation
- 3.1.8 How to Use SMPs to Comply with the Regulations
- Back to Chapter 3
- 3.2.1 Major SMP Types
- 3.2.2 SMP Hierarchy and Selection Process
- 3.2.3 Placing SMPs in Series
- 3.2.4 Stormwater Management Banking and Trading
- 3.2.5 SMP Design Guidance and General Requirements
- 3.2.6 Loading Ratio Requirements
- 3.2.7 Planting and Vegetation Guidance
- 3.2.8 Operations and Maintenance
- Back to Chapter 3
- 3.3.1 Infiltration Testing and Soil Characterization Plan Development
- 3.3.2 Soil Characterization Requirements
- 3.3.3 Infiltration Testing Requirements
- 3.3.4 Soil Characterization Procedures
- 3.3.5 Infiltration Testing Procedures
- 3.3.6 Evaluation of Infiltration Testing Results
- Back to Chapter 3
- 3.4.1 Regulatory Compliance Documentation Requirements
- 3.4.2 Storm Sewer Design Requirements
- 3.4.3 Calculation Methods and Design Tools
- Back to Chapter 3
- 3.5.1 Commercial Office Building Development
- 3.5.2 Residential Multi-Family Development
- 3.5.3 Full Build-Out
- 3.5.4 Trails
- 3.5.5 Athletic Fields
- 3.5.6 Streets
- Back to Chapters
- 4.0 Introduction
- 4.1 Bioinfiltration/ Bioretention
- 4.2 Porous Pavement
- 4.3 Green Roofs
- 4.4 Subsurface Infiltration
- 4.5 Cisterns
- 4.6 Blue Roofs
- 4.7 Ponds and Wet Basins
- 4.8 Subsurface Detention
- 4.9 Media Filters
- 4.10 Pretreatment
- 4.11 Inlet Controls
- 4.12 Outlet Controls
- Back to Chapter 4
- 4.1.1 Bioinfiltration/ Bioretention Introduction
- 4.1.2 Bioinfiltration/ Bioretention Components
- 4.1.3 Bioinfiltration/ Bioretention Design Standards
- 4.1.4 Bioinfiltration/ Bioretention Material Standards
- 4.1.5 Bioinfiltration/ Bioretention Construction Guidance
- 4.1.6 Bioinfiltration/ Bioretention Maintenance Guidance
- Back to Chapter 4
- 4.2.1 Porous Pavement Introduction
- 4.2.2 Porous Pavement Components
- 4.2.3 Porous Pavement Design Standards
- 4.2.4 Porous Pavement Material Standards
- 4.2.5 Porous Pavement Construction Guidance
- 4.2.6 Porous Pavement Maintenance Guidance
- Back to Chapter 4
- 4.3.1 Green Roof Introduction
- 4.3.2 Green Roof Components
- 4.3.3 Green Roof Design Standards
- 4.3.4 Green Roof Material Standards
- 4.3.5 Green Roof Construction Guidance
- 4.3.6 Green Roof Maintenance Guidance
- Back to Chapter 4
- 4.4.1 Subsurface Infiltration Introduction
- 4.4.2 Subsurface Infiltration Components
- 4.4.3 Subsurface Infiltration Design Standards
- 4.4.4 Subsurface Infiltration Material Standards
- 4.4.5 Subsurface Infiltration Construction Guidance
- 4.4.6 Subsurface Infiltration Maintenance Guidance
- Back to Chapter 4
- 4.5.1 Cistern Introduction
- 4.5.2 Cistern Components
- 4.5.3 Cistern Design Standards
- 4.5.4 Cistern Material Standards
- 4.5.5 Cistern Construction Guidance
- 4.5.6 Cistern Maintenance Guidance
- Back to Chapter 4
- 4.6.1 Blue Roof Introduction
- 4.6.2 Blue Roof Components
- 4.6.3 Blue Roof Design Standards
- 4.6.4 Blue Roof Material Standards
- 4.6.5 Blue Roof Construction Guidance
- 4.6.6 Blue Roof Maintenance Guidance
- Back to Chapter 4
- 4.7.1 Pond and Wet Basin Introduction
- 4.7.2 Pond and Wet Basin Components
- 4.7.3 Pond and Wet Basin Design Standards
- 4.7.4 Pond and Wet Basin Material Standards
- 4.7.5 Pond and Wet Basin Construction Guidance
- 4.7.6 Pond and Wet Basin Maintenance Guidance
- Back to Chapter 4
- 4.8.1 Subsurface Detention Introduction
- 4.8.2 Subsurface Detention Components
- 4.8.3 Subsurface Detention Design Standards
- 4.8.4 Subsurface Detention Material Standards
- 4.8.5 Subsurface Detention Construction Guidance
- 4.8.6 Subsurface Detention Maintenance Guidance
- Back to Chapter 4
- 4.9.1 Media Filter Introduction
- 4.9.2 Media Filter Components
- 4.9.3 Media Filter Design Standards
- 4.9.4 Media Filter Material Standards
- 4.9.5 Media Filter Construction Guidance
- 4.9.6 Media Filter Maintenance Guidance
- Back to Chapter 4
- 4.10.1 Pretreatment Introduction
- 4.10.2 Filter Strips
- 4.10.3 Forebays
- 4.10.4 Swales
- Back to Chapter 4
- 4.11.1 Inlet Control Introduction
- 4.11.2 Flow Splitters
- 4.11.3 Curbless Design/Curb Openings
- 4.11.4 Energy Dissipaters
- 4.11.5 Inlets
- Back to Chapter 4
- 4.12.1 Outlet Control Introduction
- 4.12.2 Orifices
- 4.12.3 Weirs
- 4.12.4 Risers
- 4.12.5 Underdrains
- 4.12.6 Level Spreaders
- 4.12.7 Impervious Liners
- 4.12.8 Micro Siphon Drain Belts
- 4.12.9 Low Flow Devices
- Back to Chapters
- 5.0 Introduction
- 5.1 Construction Inspection
- 5.2 Common Construction Issues
- 5.3 Construction Documentation
- Back to Chapter 5
- 5.1.1 Coordinating Inspections with Other PWD Units
- 5.1.2 Preconstruction Processes
- 5.1.3 Construction Processes
- 5.1.4 Final Inspection
- 5.1.5 Post-Construction Submissions
- Back to Chapter 5
- 5.2.1 Erosion and Sediment-Related Construction Issues
- 5.2.2 Stormwater Management Practice-Related Construction Issues
- Back to Chapters
- 6.0 Introduction
- 6.1 Operations and Maintenance
- 6.2 Stormwater Management Practice Inspection Guidance
- 6.3 Stormwater Credits Program
- Back to Chapter 6
- 6.1.1 Maintenance Requirements for Property Owners
- 6.1.2 Operations and Maintenance Agreements
- Back to Chapters
- Appendix Index
- A. Glossary
- B. Abbreviations
- C. PWD Stormwater Regulations
- D. Watershed Maps
- E. Plan and Report Checklists
- F. Design Guidance Checklists
- G. SMP Maintenance Guide Documents
- H. Infiltration Testing Log
- I. Landscape Guidance
- J. Construction Certification Package
- K. Record Drawing Sample
- L. Standard Details
- Back to Appendices
- Table E-1: General Plan Sheet Requirements
- Table E-2: Existing Conditions Plan Requirements
- Table E-3: Conceptual Stormwater Management Plan Requirements
- Table E-4: Erosion and Sediment Control Plan Requirements
- Table E-5: Standard Erosion and Sediment Control Notes
- Table E-6: Standard Sequence of Construction Notes
- Table E-7: Post-Construction Stormwater Management Plan Report Requirements
- Table E-8: Record Drawing Requirements
- Back to Appendices
- F.1 Stormwater Regulation Compliance
- F.2 Post-Construction Stormwater Management Plan
- F.3 Erosion and Sediment Control
- F.4 Disconnected Impervious Cover
- F.5 Infiltration Testing and Soil Assessment
- F.6 Hydrologic Model and Calculation Methods
- F.7 Bioinfiltration/ Bioretention
- F.8 Porous Pavement
- F.9 Green Roofs
- F.10 Subsurface Infiltration
- F.11 Cisterns
- F.12 Blue Roofs
- F.13 Ponds and Wet Basins
- F.14 Subsurface Detention
- F.15 Media Filters
- F.16 Pretreatment
- F.17 Inlet Controls
- F.18 Outlet Controls
2.1 Existing Resources and Site Analysis
Every new regulated project, regardless of its Review Path, begins with the submission of the Existing Resources and Site Analysis (ERSA) Application to Philadelphia Water Department (PWD) Stormwater Plan Review.
Stormwater Grant projects begin with the Stormwater Grant Application, but need to follow the steps listed below in submitting an ERSA Application after notice of grant award for tracking purposes.
Section 2.1 describes the ERSA Application, lists all ERSA Application Submission Package components, and details the submission process. Furthermore, this Section assists the applicant in determining their project’s applicable Review Path, which is a necessary step in the completion of an ERSA Application.
2.1.1 ERSA Application
The ERSA Application is the first submission for all projects that require PWD Stormwater Plan Review approval or exemption. The ERSA Application is also the first submission for non-grant-funded Stormwater Retrofits. For grant-funded Stormwater Retrofits, the first submission will be the Stormwater Grant Application to Stormwater Billing and Incentives, not an ERSA Application.
The development of the ERSA Application requires the applicant to identify existing project site features, describe the proposed development site, identify all applicable PWD Stormwater Regulations (Stormwater Regulations), and determine the appropriate Review Path for the project. PWD Stormwater Plan Review uses the ERSA Application to define the existing conditions of the project site, to confirm the project’s applicability within, or exemption from, the Stormwater Regulations, and to confirm the project’s Review Path with the applicant. The applicant must note that design decisions that may occur after submission of the ERSA Application may impact a project’s applicability to, or exemption from, the Stormwater Regulations, as well as the project’s Review Path. If major changes are made to the project after the applicant submits an ERSA Application, the applicant must contact PWD Stormwater Plan Review to determine if a revised ERSA Application is needed before proceeding.
ERSA Application Submission Package Components
A complete ERSA Application Submission Package consists of the following components:
Figure 2.1-1: ERSA Application Submission Package Components Checklist
ERSA APPLICATION SUBMISSION PACKAGE Submission Package Components Checklist |
|
ERSA Worksheet | |
Site Photographs | |
Existing Conditions Plan | |
Conceptual Review Phase Submission Package* |
* Refer to Section 2.3 for Conceptual Review Phase Submission Package Requirements by Review Path
Stormwater Retrofit projects that already have Conceptual Approval may include the PCSMP Review Phase Submission Package instead. The applicant is referred to Section 2.3 for PCSMP Review Phase requirements.
ERSA Worksheet
- When submitting the ERSA application, the applicant must complete an online ERSA Worksheet which provides interactive guidance to assist the applicant in providing all required project, contact, and owner information.
- The online ERSA Worksheet guides the applicant through the process of determining the project’s Review Path. Detailed information on determining a project’s Review Path is included in Section 2.1.2.
- If the applicant intends for the project to be considered for an Expedited PCSMP Review or a stormwater management based zoning height or density bonus, this intent is declared as part of the ERSA Worksheet. The applicant is referred to Section 2.4 for more information on Expedited PCSMP Reviews and Section 2.6 for zoning bonuses.
Site Photographs
A minimum of one color photograph from each accessible face of the parcel(s) looking into the site is required. The applicant is encouraged to submit additional photos as needed to best illustrate project site conditions to PWD.
Existing Conditions Plan
The Existing Conditions Plan contains information regarding the predevelopment state of the project site (i.e., site conditions at the time of ERSA Application). Proposed site and stormwater improvements are not depicted on the Existing Conditions Plan, as these are shown on the Conceptual Stormwater Management Plan. The specific requirements for Existing Conditions Plans are shown in Appendix E, Table E-2: Existing Conditions Plan Requirements. Existing Conditions Plans must also meet all PWD general plan sheet requirements listed in Appendix E, Table E-1: General Plan Sheet Requirements.
Redevelopment projects that propose modifications to an existing project area that was subject to Stormwater Regulations or received Stormwater Grant funding for a Stormwater Retrofit project are advised to contact PWD Stormwater Plan Review as early as possible in the design process to ensure the Redevelopment will not impede regulatory compliance of the existing project or impact the project’s Review Path (Section 2.2). Even if no modifications are proposed to an existing SMP, changes in cover type, such as converting area that was previously constructed as landscape to hardscape, can have significant impacts on the site’s regulatory compliance. Applicants who are unsure whether their project site was previously subject to Stormwater Regulations or has an SMP on-site may check the Green Stormwater Infrastructure Projects Map.
Conceptual Review Phase Submission Package
Requirements of a Conceptual Review Phase Submission Package differ based on a project’s Review Path. The applicant must first determine the project’s Review Path, using Section 2.1.2, and then is referred to Section 2.3 for Conceptual Review Phase Submission Package requirements.
Submission Process
The ERSA Application submission is initiated through the Project Dashboard on PWD’s Private Development Services website. The Project Dashboard is accessed by logging into (clicking "Login Here to Apply" in the upper righthand corner of) the website. The online form guides the applicant through the ERSA Application submission process and allows the applicant to upload all necessary digital files: site photos, Existing Conditions Plan, and other plans required as part of the Conceptual Review Phase Submission Package.
Once projects are initiated online, a project tracking number is assigned, which is used by the applicant and PWD to track the review process as it proceeds. The applicant must reference this project tracking number for all subsequent correspondence.
Throughout the submission process, the applicant is invited to contact PWD Stormwater Plan Review for assistance. For Stormwater Retrofits, the applicant should contact Stormwater Billing and Incentives.
2.1.2 Determining Project Review Path
The path to obtaining a PWD Stormwater Plan Review approval varies depending on project characteristics. Determining whether an approval is required, and, if so, which of the four Review Paths is applicable, represents a critical step for every project and must be completed by the applicant prior to submission of an ERSA Application.
The applicant must identify the following three project characteristics to determine the appropriate review and submission requirements. These characteristics, used along with Figure 2.1-2 below, allow the applicant to determine the Review Path for their project. The applicant must input these characteristics when filling out the online ERSA Worksheet as part of the ERSA Application.
- Development Type - Projects fall into one of four development types: New Development, Redevelopment, Demolition, or Stormwater Retrofit. The applicant is referred to Section 1.1.1 for the complete definition of each development type. If an applicant is uncertain which development type best defines a project, they can contact PWD Stormwater Plan Review for additional guidance. If the applicant incorporates voluntary stormwater management into their project, Stormwater Billing and Incentives can also provide additional guidance.
- Watershed - Seven major watersheds exist in Philadelphia: Darby and Cobbs Creeks Watershed, Delaware Direct Watershed, Lower Schuylkill River Watershed, Pennypack Creek Watershed, Poquessing Creek Watershed, Tookany/Tacony-Frankford Watershed, and Wissahickon Creek Watershed. The applicant is referred to Section 1.1.2 for more information on watersheds and to Appendix D for Watershed Maps.
- Earth Disturbance - PWD must review any project whose earth disturbance exceeds 5,000 square feet to ensure that an Erosion and Sediment Control (E&S) Plan has been prepared in accordance with Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection guidelines (Section 2.3). In addition, PWD must ensure that the limit of disturbance is correctly delineated and that the project is not part of a larger phased development that will trigger additional Stormwater Regulations.
There are some earth disturbance activities that do not require post-construction stormwater management and/or should not be counted toward the regulatory threshold for triggering the Stormwater Regulations. The applicant is referred to Section 1.1.3 for more information on earth disturbance.
After answering these questions, the applicant can use Figure 2.1-2 to determine a project’s Review Path. Review Paths are color-coded throughout Chapter 2.
Figure 2.1-2: Project Review Path Determination Flow Chart
After determining a Review Path, the applicant can proceed to Section 2.2 and Section 2.3 to learn more about the requirements and Review Phases of their project’s Review Path. The applicant should review these Sections before final submission of their ERSA Application, as the ERSA Application submission will occur concurrently with the Conceptual Review Phase Submission (except for Stormwater Grant-funded Stormwater Retrofits).
If unable to determine the appropriate Review Path, the applicant should contact PWD Stormwater Plan Review.